Top 50 Kentucky Wildcats Prior to John Calipari Era
Oct 18, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley (center) watches from the stands during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. The Heat won 111-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
35. Pat Riley
When you think of the Miami Heat you probably think of Lebron James’ old team, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, NBA Championships and maybe even former Wildcat, Pat Riley.
Riley is one of the most storied people in basketball, as a player, coach and executive, the only thing really missing is an NCAA Championship. Take a look.
As a player:
- NBA Champion (1972, Los Angeles Lakers)
- First-Team All-American USBWA (1966)
- Third-Team All-American AP, UPI (1966)
- SEC Player of the Year (1966)
- Retired Jersey at Rupp Arena
As a coach
- 5-time NBA Champion (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2006)
- 3-time NBA Coach of the Year (1990, 1993, 1997)
- 9-time NBA All-Star Game Head Coach (1982-1983, 1985-1990, 1993)
- Top 10 Coach in NBA History
As an executive
- 3-time NBA Champion (2006, 2012, 2013)
- NBA Executive of the Year (2011)
Seriously? That’s CRAZY. I could go on and on about him, but I’m just going to give you more lists to baffle you.
NBA Playing Career:
- 1967-70 San Diego Rockets
- 1970-75 Los Angeles Lakers
- 1975-76 Phoenix Suns
NBA Coaching Career:
- 1979-81 Los Angeles Lakers Assistant
- 1981-90 Los Angeles Lakers
- 1991-95 New York Knicks
- 1995-03 Miami Heat
- 2005-2008 Miami Heat
NBA Executive Career:
- 2003-present Miami Heat
There is no denying he loves the game of basketball and is one of the most impressive people to ever come out of the University of Kentucky, basketball or not.
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